To much stuff on my computer

[cheffrank-357]

hello
Please help
I have an acer aspire with 40 gb of hard drive
i took off all documents pictures and songs, ( 4 gb)
and i installed the w 7 ( i diddnt have enough space to install so thats why i started this little adventure)
so the hard drive is showing 20 gb used but i dont have anything on it!
how can i find it and delete it?
i am somewhat familiar i just need a starting point on the path?
if i partition the hard drive and erase all what should i save for  a reboot? and os?
i have the w 7 on a jump and i have all the word and all th other programs i want to keep
please help
f

[Allan]

Let's start at the beginning. Do you want to completely erase your hd and install Windows 7, install it as a dual boot option, or upgrade your current installation?

[cheffrank-357]

i would rather not erase but if i have to i guess its a must?
i have all the disks for teh word and all that
but its showing 20gb being used? i cant imagine that thats any good..
it was an 'open box' computer....

[Allan]

Go to System Properties - system restore and disable system restore. Then go to Internet Properties and clear the Temporary Internet Files Folder. Check your TEMP folder and delete everything you see in it. Then empty the recycle bin and see how much free space you have.

Again - if you do not want to do a clean install do you want to dual boot or upgrade your OS

[cheffrank-357]

i had to install service pack 1 and 2 last night before i installed w 7
maybe i should just clean and start over?

[cheffrank-357]

i emptied recycle bin
went thru windows explorer and deleted all the files and temp stuff
still 20 gb showing:(

[Allan]

Did you disable system restore and empty the TIF as I suggested above?

[cheffrank-357]

please explain the complete path again
and instructions

[Allan]

Go to System Properties - system restore and disable system restore. Then go to Internet Properties and clear the Temporary Internet Files Folder. Check your TEMP folder and delete everything you see in it. Then empty the recycle bin and see how much free space you have.

[cheffrank-357]

system restore?
under ?
control panel, system and security?
then system restore? to an earlier time? ( hasnt been done ever and it has not been set up by windows)
is that ur talking about?
ive emptied and deleted
actually i am sorry its showing 32 gb used:(

[Allan]

Look - please follow instructions.

Go to Control Panel - System Properties - System Restore. If system restore is enabled on any drive, DISABLE it. That will immediately free up a lot of space.

If you are unable to follow these instructions then download treesize (http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/index.shtml) and it will show you what is using the space

[cheffrank-357]

im trying but i get lost on the "system properties" i dont see that
it hasnt been restored ever
so i guess it thats what your talking about

[cheffrank-357]

got the tree size
found it thanks!!

[BC_Programmer]

im trying but i get lost on the "system properties" i dont see that
it hasnt been restored ever
so i guess it thats what your talking about

Control Panel->System and Security->System, and in the left hand task pane choose "Advanced System settings"

Select the "System Protection" Tab, and Click the "Configure..." button.

Now click the "Delete" button.

This should free up some space.

[cheffrank-357]

thats it
thanks!